The ground tie, a maneuver often seen in the Ranch Trail patterns, hails back to essential skills for working cowboys and trail riders alike. Even today, when a working cowboy needs to dismount on the range to doctor cattle, for example, or when a trail rider needs to dismount on the trail to clear brush, a horse that ground ties is essential to completing the job. The task, though not one of the six obstacles AQHA requires in Ranch Trail, is becoming more prevalent in the show pen. It tests a horse’s discipline and training (and willpower if plants or hay are present) and demonstrates an exhibitor’s knowledge of handling tack–like romal reins.